The Chase 's new recruit Darragh Ennis lost thousands as a contestant on the show after he banked £9,000 and his teammates took lower offers.
The Mirror exclusively revealed Irish boffin Darragh, who is a researcher at Oxford University, has become the sixth Chaser to join the ITV series - three years after his turn as a contestant.
However, his last turn on The Chase didn't have a happy ending and his staggering losses turned him into a viral sensation.
Darragh put in a stellar performance for his team, banking a massive £9k, only for his teammates to squander £2,700 of the money by taking lower offers.
Viewers were so incensed, they launched a #Justicefordarragh campaign and a crowdfunding page to help him recoup his losses Gofundme.
However, Darragh urged The Chase fans not to be so harsh on his teammates, telling them: "It's a lot easier on the couch".
He tweeted: "Ease off my teammates. Its a lot easier on the couch #thechase #comeandhaveagoifyouthinkyouarecleverenough."
The brain box added: " #thechase Thanks for all the support but I would appreciate it if people eased off my teammates. Its hard in front of the cameras."
Darragh went on to ask for any money raiser by the campaign to be donated to charity instead.
He wrote: " #justicefordarragh bemused/thankful for the support. If people want to donate please support @HelenAndDouglas house instead. A great charity."
Three years on from the drama, Darragh is to join Anne Hegarty and Paul Sinha to battle against teams to stop them winning money in the Bradley Walsh presented show.
A show source told the Mirror: "Darragh has got what it takes to be a Chaser, he has been put to the test and passed with flying colours.
"They don't bring in new members on The Chase regularly so this is a big deal for the show and Darragh. Viewers will be very interested to see how he gets on.
"The show is so popular with spin off shows now as well so there is a need to increase the team.
"No one is leaving, Darragh is very much an addition to the team."
In November last year host Bradley hinted that new Chasers could be on the way.
“So consequently, we have put our feelers out to find other people that will be suitable, and all will be revealed next year.”
Asked if that meant more than a single new Chaser joining the team, he replied: “It could be more than one, who knows. But it’s a proper shake-up.”
He then told Good Morning Britain: “We've got a brand new Chaser coming in for another new series now. It's all good.”
